Congolese Army Commander Arrives in Israel; 212 Paratroopers in Training

August 19, 1963

TEL AVIV (Aug. 18)

Gen. Joseph Mobutu, commander of the army of the Republic of the Congo (Leopoldville), arrived here last night for an official visit to Israel, during which he will inspect the 212 Congolese soldiers now being trained in Israel as paratroopers. Explaining why he had chosen Israel as the training site for his paratroopers, the General said simply “because of the good name of the Israeli Army.”

The general was received with full military honors at Lydda Airport. Heading the reception group was Chief of Staff Tsvi Tzur. Others were senior army officers and officials of the Foreign and Defense Ministries.

Six Congolese paratroop trainees welcomed the general on behalf of their country’s soldiers in training here. The trainees, who arrived August 1, will remain in Israel another month.